Photo: James Rojas/WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Boston public school students are embarking on their next chapter with the start of a new school year in new and upgraded facilities.
With a commitment to building a stronger unified school community for families, Mayor Michelle Wu welcomed students to three new buildings on Thursday for the 2025-2026 school year: The Carter School in Roxbury, The Sarah Roberts Elementary School in Roslindale, and The PJ Kennedy School in East Boston.
The City of Boston invested nearly $200 million into the three buildings.
The Carter School includes a sensory garden, therapeutic pool, and better spaces for students with disabilities. The school has also expanded its capacity from 25 to 60 students.
"A brand new facility serving students with severe cognitive delays or complex medical conditions, pre-K through 12," Wu stated.
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In 1848, Benjamin Roberts filed a lawsuit after his daughter, Sarah, was barred from attending a school because of her race. Named in memory of the first school desegregation lawsuit in the United States, students pre-K through sixth grade will walk through the halls of the new Sarah Roberts Elementary School.
"Which has merged the former Sumner and Philbrick communities," Wu said. "And has been fully renovated to serve this new elementary school community."
The PJ Kennedy School also underwent a $16 million renovation, which began with boiler replacements and prompted more work to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
"Who have received a brand new addition and entrance way, main office, expanded classrooms, full accessibility, more bathrooms, and new school garden and play area," said Wu.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojas.bsky.social) reports.